Nik Nazmi slams 'lies' and 'leak' from ministry on RM11 billion flood mitigation plan

Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has lodged a police report on the leak of official documents as well as "slander" related to his ministry's recommendation of companies to be awarded projects in various jobs under the flood mitigation plan (RTB).

Social media had been abuzz over a copy of the letter where Nik Nazmi had attached a list of companies recommended for approval by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim for contracts worth RM10.9 billion.

The three-page letter was believed to have been revealed by online whistleblower Edisi Siasat on its Telegram channel.

In the letter dated April 11, 2023, Nik Nazmi said the companies were selected as they "are thought to be able to meet the pre-qualification criteria" from the finance ministry. 

The tenders were for works in Johor, Pahang, Selangor and Kelantan, states that are frequently ravaged by floods.

But Nik Nazmi in a statement slammed what he called a "malicious post" accusing him and Anwar of approving the RTB project without going through the proper procedures. 

"This clearly led the public who read the post to come up with the impression that we are misappropriating public funds for political purposes," he added.

"As such, I hope the police can identify the mastermind behind the false accusations, defamation and leak of confidential government information as soon as possible."

Anwar previously cancelled the approval for RM7 billion in flood mitigation projects, claiming they were done irregularly and without open tender. 

After being criticised for delaying such projects, especially a few months ago when Johor was hit by floods, Anwar said the project would be fast-tracked.